~ Living life to the fullest while abiding in Christ

Monthly Archives: October 2014

The annual Chili Cook-off, put on by the COC&I took place today at CTHD in Round Rock. I think this was the biggest year so far, I heard we had 29 competitors. I can’t say I samples every one, but I did get to most of them, and I didn’t find any that I didn’t like. I don’t know how the judges do what they do, but we did manage to pick the top three and the peoples choice. While the judging was going on we had our bi-monthly COC&I meeting. I think I got some good photos today, but you will have to scan through all 80 of them ti find out.Enjoy.

We got out to the Chilliest kind of late, but I did manage to get a few pictures and shots of the winner. Congratulations Clem, Mary, Wes and Woody for taking 5th place. I also got some shots of the wonderful antique bikes that were on display. Can you say Indian, Harley Davidson, and Arial Square Four?

Our Christian Unity meeting was this evening at Bill Miller’s BBQ. We are still planning the hospitality room and food for the Regional NCOM meeting next month, but after we finished that, we moved into a discussion on Romans 8:1-6, which starts out by saying “There is therefore now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus”. It might not be one of the shortest verses in the Bible, but it is definitely one of the best.

Well, UCOA is tomorrow evening at Texas Mist at 7:30 pm, and I hear that the JW Rock t-shirts several of us bought will be delivered. So, if you want yours as quick as possible, be there.

I have been having a kind of running conversation with the pastor of the church Debbie and I attend. The conversation goes something like this;

ME: As chaplain of UCOA I believe it is my job to encourage each of you to be your best, and to tell you about a God who loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you. It is not my job to condemn anyone for their actions, whatever they might be. There are plenty of “brothers” around to take care of that.

PASTOR: Yes but, if you don’t tell them the Good News that Jesus died to free them from the penalty and power of sin, which is ultimately the source of our bad choices, then you aren’t really helping them.

ME: I am available to be used by God for whatever He wants me to do or say, and I am more than happy to talk with anyone about their struggles, their relationship with God, or any other subject that comes up.

You see, I think my pastor believes that I don’t challenge y’all enough, but I hope, as I share with you each month what God has been teaching me, you will be challenged to see how God is working in your life.

I have learned that it isn’t my job to save or change anyone. As it says in Jonah 2:9 “Salvation is from the Lord”, and I am only here to help, and to give thanks to God while doing it.